A smoke detector triggered an alarm at 10:30 PM in the company's electroplating hall, prompting the professional fire brigade to issue a major alarm. There was a strong development of smoke. The fire was brought under control in the early morning hours, but embers kept flaring up. Fire director Werner Kloiber reported around 9:30 AM that the fire would soon be extinguished. The cause of the fire was initially unclear, but a technical defect might have triggered it.

Acid Containers Severely Damaged in Major Fire at Fittings Manufacturer Maco in Salzburg

For the fire brigade, the operation was particularly challenging due to the chemicals stored in the company. Containers for caustic soda, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid were partially burst or had to be secured due to the fire. According to Kloiber, "several tens of thousands of liters" of acid and lye are believed to have leaked. A disposal company began work in the morning to pump out the chemicals. It is currently being clarified whether contaminated soil around the hall needs to be removed and where watercourses are located. This is being done in close coordination with the authorities. Rapid preparations were also made in case more chemicals were to leak, which, however, did not occur, according to Kloiber. "There was no danger to the population." As the smoke plume drifted further towards Anif with the wind, residents were initially asked to keep their windows closed as a precaution.

Major Fire at Fittings Manufacturer Maco in Salzburg: Alpenstraße Temporarily Completely Closed

More than a dozen employees were able to bring themselves to safety from the electroplating hall, with two people being slightly injured. Additionally, three firefighters suffered "slight chemical burns" from leaking acid despite wearing protective gear during the firefighting efforts, according to Kloiber. After being examined in the hospital, they have since been discharged. The firefighting operation was further complicated as the firefighters initially had to lay a water line to the nearby Salzach river. Around 150 personnel from the professional and volunteer fire brigades with 25 vehicles were involved in the operation. A large contingent of rescue services and police was also on site. The Alpenstraße, which runs past the company premises, was initially completely closed, but two of the four lanes were reopened for traffic in the early morning hours. Maco - actually Mayer & Co Beschläge GmbH - manufactures fittings for windows and doors, among other things, and offers system and security solutions. The family business is headquartered in Salzburg.

(APA/Red)

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